New job but much longer commute - WWYD

[CommuteQ]

I want to leave my current job due to workload, stress, bad managers and lack of progression (dead end).

I often work until 7pm, with some days finishing even later but contracted hours are 9-5. I always feel very sad on a Sunday eve.
I’m not paid overtime and have not had any progression opportunities in multiple years despite joining internal network groups, and always receiving very good performance reviews.

One benefit of my current role is the commute is 25 minutes to the office, and I only have to attend office 2 days a week!

I once had to commute 1 hr 40 for an internship, waking up at 6am and my health noticeably suffered. I was even referred on NHS to specialist at hospital as suspected Sjorgens syndrome but after all tests done turns out my symptoms were caused by sleep deprivation and stress.

I also have autism and depression, and feel I struggle more than the avg persona with early mornings and long commutes.

New job is for a similar role but slightly bigger company. It’s not a desirable or dream role at all, but it’s still an escape from current bad job. Full time office attendance required until passed probation (3 months), and 3 days a week in office.

The new employer has two offices in London, one in central and another in zone 5. Frustratingly this new role is offered in zone 5 location -no tubes, ‘undesirable’ location, 1hr 20 min commute. Salary is 37k which is 6% increase on my current salary however is this worth it?

I would have to take national rail too which significantly increases my travel costs as I live quite centrally in London and can get around quickly via tube/bus or even walking. When working from home I don’t use bus or tube at all so saves me a lot but will have an additional office day at new role involving national rail.

I used to do a 1.5-2 hour commute from Aldgate to Hounslow. One way. It was the pits - didn’t help that I had to be in work for 7:15am on one of those days. I wouldn’t do it now - it was costly and only one bit of the journey had to go wrong for the whole thing to mess up and delay me significantly.

Thanks you that’s also a very good point as it’s only 1hr20 if everything is running smoothly.

I could be wrong but I would presume tubes tend to be more reliable that national rail.

Also with my commute to current role even on very rare days there is something wrong with tube line, I can still take another tube line or bus. It’s def more desirable working in central area.

From what you've said the new job doesn't seem to be very desirable! - is it a case of desperate times equals desperate measures?
Why are you working 2 extra hours every day - would the world collapse if you suddenly started working the hours you are paid for?

Does feel bit like desperate times call for desperate measures tbh lol😂

I wouldn’t have wanted to do this type of role and especially not at my age as someone with BSc, internships, and who relocated to city for better career prospects. Sadly I’m still not eligible for many roles that pay over 34k.

I guess life doesn’t go as planned. My younger naive self would never would have thought I’d still be earning under 40k (let alone for a role I didn’t like) at my age but since lowered my expectations.

The harsh reality is I rarely get shortlisted for jobs otherwise. Only shortlisted 5 times this year and have done hundreds of applications

Depends on the tube in my experience! I also used to commute from Shadwell to Chiswick Park. The DLR was always fine - if packed - but the District Line had a mind of its own from Tower Hill. Random termination points - I have never been above ground at Gloucester Road but I have definitely spent a lot of time on the platform there! That was my other epic commute and it was only good when I bumped into colleagues on the route and we could moan together about how crap it was!!

I totally get wanting to leave a job that gives you the Sunday shivers, but just be so so careful that it’s not a frying pan situation. If you can hang out for something better in the commuting stakes I really would. I also once worked for an organisation where the office was nowhere near a tube - closest tube was Old Street and then two buses. And going right through the city meant the buses were always packed until almost the stop I had to get off at. Invariably I would
do the bus bit on foot on the way back because although it was longer it was infinitely nicer not to be ‘nestled’ in other people’s armpits.

PS. Also sending you lots of solidarity because the job market is hard at the moment. I really hope that something fantastic comes along for you very soon.

I do a similar commute and use national rail and tube, it has been worth the move for me. I’ve significantly progressed in the three years and my salary has increased by 14k. My commute I use for things like food shopping and emails and enjoy it

The alternative job seems to throw up as many problems as it solves OP and you have already proved that a long commute doesn't do you any good. Don't inflict that on yourself.

Could this be the time for a complete rethink about how and where you live and what you do careerwise?

I'd add to previous poster's comment about why you're working extra hours. Your extra work isn't earning you promotion or pay increases. What would be the worst that could happen if you withdrew from doing this extra work? Would that make your Sundays happier until something else comes along?